I would have expected to see you in that crowd, daddio (back then, at least).

I don't agree, Bill, and that's exactly the issue with this word. It's thrown around too casually.

But back to Holloway for a moment. Regardless of what Holloway may have done previously, Eggleston's use of the word was completely wrong. The context had nothing to do with past behaviour, it had everything to do with two fatcs: He didn't like Holloway's political stance and Holloway was black. Period!

While they may have been accused of rape, murder, or extortion I'm supposing that these individuals have not been caught doing any of the above. I also suspect that they would not give the appearance of any wrong-doing to a thoughtful person. That, at least, is your premise.

I'm a little annoyed at your analogy because it implies two things I wholeheartedly disgree with:

1. Societal racism is still the norm and is accepted. It takes a narrow view to believe that "everyone" is a racist, especially in the way that this photo depicts.

2. People who identify a bad behavior, no matter what it is, and want it stopped, are racist if the person committing the act is of the correct skin color relative to them. Of course the direction of the name-calling is also relevant, which is why it's important to note the skin color of the accusor and the accused.